The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2013-14

MEASUREMENTS  - Data Last Updated on: 

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data show that a significant percentage of open landfills receiving waste regulated under the land disposal program were inspected. Overall, 77% of the facilities were inspected. Several facilities were inspected more than once a year, that is why the total number of inspections is greater than the total number of facilities inspected.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

It is the policy of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to ensure compliance with Water Quality Control Plans, NPDES permits, and Waste Discharge Requirements through Regional Board implementation of a comprehensive self- monitoring and compliance inspection program. The Land Disposal program regulates discharges of waste to land that need containment in order to protect water quality, including landfills, waste ponds, waste piles, and land treatment units. Inspections are a primary tool used in the Land Disposal program to assess compliance with requirements. Inspection frequencies for Land Disposal facilities are based on threats to water quality. In addition, the Regional Boards assess compliance by reviewing self-monitoring reports submitted by the discharger and responding to complaints. Validation of conditions described by self-monitoring data must be done through periodic inspection, and inspection is the only means to evaluate system maintenance and to observe unreported activities. Inspections are performed by priority, with high-risk sites and registered complaints receiving more attention. Open landfills actively receiving waste are considered a higher threat to water quality and a higher frequency of inspection is necessary in order to properly assess compliance with Waste Discharge Requirements.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data Source: CIWQS. Period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. Extracted on October 13, 2014.
• Unit of Measure: Number of inspections and number of facilities inspected during FY 13-14.
• Data Definitions: Inspections: include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA contractors. Facilities Inspected: Count of facilities inspected one or more times during a fiscal year.
• References: Information on the Water Boards’ Land Disposal Program
  Public Reports and Data
  Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Information

GLOSSARY

Land Disposal

The Land Disposal program regulates of waste discharge to land for treatment, storage and disposal in waste management units. Waste management units include waste piles, surface impoundments, and landfills. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 23, (Chapter 15) contains the regulatory requirements for hazardous waste. CCR Title 27, contains the regulatory requirements for wastes other than hazardous waste.

Inspection (Compliance and Non Compliance)

The Regional Board or State Board may inspect the facilities of any discharger at any time pursuant to Water Code, Section 13267. Compliance activities include all activities necessary to determine if discharges are in compliance with waste discharge requirements, NPDES permits, and related enforcement orders. Compliance inspections are classified as either Level A or Level B, with Level A being more thorough.

( Page last updated:  10/16/14 )